In any sport, there is always a segment of the competition which separates from the the rest of the pack. A major factor in any event is speed.

In football, speed is utilized as a trait which has to be addressed by the opposition. You must account for it no matter the form or function.

These 25 individuals are all potential game changers in major college football due to their elite speed when on the field. They’re the swiftest of the swift.

Here are my top 25 FBS top speed demons for 2020:

1. DB Kiland Harrison (5-11, 170) redshirt freshman, Tulane.

It may surprise some that perhaps the fastest player in college football wears the Olive and Blue. He arrived on Willow Street as a receiver in 2019 and was converted to defense. With a 4.25 forty time and a 10.66 time in the 100 meters, Harrison makes a great case for top honors. He adds a 36.5″ vertical to his skillset for good measure.

2. WR Jalen Virgil (6-1, 210) senior, Appalachian State

With his 4.26 forty and 10.20 hundred meter speed, Virgil made 24 catches for 383 yards and 4 touchdowns in 2019. He also tallied four kickoff returns for a big 36.5-yard average.

A transfer from Miami, injuries curtailed freshman season with the Hurricanes (136 yards and 2 touchdowns) in 2018.

6. RB Pooka Williams (5-10, 170) junior, Kansas, 4.29

The ex-Hahnville High star totaled 2,167 yards and 10 touchdowns the past two season. He had 3,118 yards rushing and 37 touchdowns his senior prep season, earning the Louisiana Gatorade Player of the Year honor.

7. RB Corey Wren (6-0, 185) freshman signee, Florida State, 4.31

The John Curtis product has also turned times of 10.41 in the hundred meters and 6.8 over 60 meters.

8. CB Kary Vincent (5-10, 185) senior, LSU, 4.38

Having posted a blazing 10.04 in the 100 meters, the versatile Tiger had 48 tackles and four interceptions last season playing both corner and safety.

9. WR Anthony Schwartz (6-0, 179) junior, Auburn

He’s posted a 10.09 in the 100 meters and been clocked running 21.79 mph. Schwartz grabbed 41 passes for 440 yards and a score last season.

10. CB Derek Stingley, Jr. (6-1, 190) sophomore, LSU.

Recognized as the top ranked cover man in college football, his 4.3 speed helped him snare six interceptions last season.

11. DB Dax Hill (6-0, 190) sophomore, Michigan. 4.3

An explosive athlete with a 43.6″ vertical, he made 36 tackles and an intereption last season. His brother Justice Hill is a running back for the Ravens.

12. CB Nigel Knott (5-11, 188) senior, East Carolina, 4.3

He made 12 appearances for Alabama before his transfer to the Pirates. Knott has posted a 46″ vertical.

In 2019, he made 30 grabs for 333 yards and 3 touchdowns while earning his team’s most improved player honor.

15. WR McLane Mannix (5-10, 195) senior, Texas Tech, 4.35

A transfer from Nevada where he was named Freshman All American, Mannix has 133 catches for 1,901 yards and 16 touchdowns in his career.

16. WR Kayshon Boutte (6-0, 180) freshman, LSU, 4.37

A polished young wideout with a 6.96 time over 60 meters and 21.3 in the 200, he brings additional speed to Tigers’ talented receiving corps. Boutte posted five touchdowns in the rain against Teurlings Catholic last season to fuel a 52-35 win for Westgate.

17. RB Travis Etienne (5-10, 210) senior, Clemson, 4.38

For his college career, the Jennings High product has 4,038 rushing yards and 56 touchdowns while adding 54 catches for 567 yards and six scores. He’s a 2020 Heisman candidate.

18. RB Sean McGrew (5-7, 185) senior, Washington, 4.38

Also capable of a 10.56 in the 100, he played 12 games for the Huskies in ’19 with season-high 106 yards rushing vs. Arizona.

19. WR Whop Philyor (5-11, 177) senior, Indiana. 4.39

It takes longer to say his given name – Mister Elias De’Angelo Philyor – than it takes for him to change a game. Called “Whop” because of his love for Burger King’s Whoppers, he totaled a whopping 126 catchesfor 1,572 yards and 9 touchdowns with the Hoosiers.

20. WR Devonta Smith (6-1, 175) senior, Alabama, 4.4

The Amite, La. product made 68 catches for 1,256 yards and 14 touchdowns last year. He averages 18 yards per grab with the Tide.

21. WR Brandon Lewis (5-9, 165) junior, Air Force, 4.4

This Falcon is a true flyer.

22. WR KeSean Carter (5-11, 175) junior, Texas Tech

He’s run a 10.35 in the 100 meters and 6.71 in the 60.

23. WR Austin Watkins (6-3, 205) senior, UAB, 4.41

Related to Chiefs receiver Sammy Watkins, Austin had 57 grabs for 1,092 yards and 6 touchdowns last season for the Blazers.

24. WR Reggie Roberson (6-0, 200) senior, SMU

A true game-breaker for the pass happy Mustangs, the West Virginia transfer has run 10.55 in the 100 meters. Overall, Roberson as 95 career catches for 1,605 yards and 12 touchdowns (16.9 yards/catch average).

25. WR Jaylen Dixon (5-9, 170) junior, Utah, 4.45

In two years, he’s totaled 56 catches for 932 yards and 3 touchdowns for the run-first Utes.

]]>Recruiting: Out-of-state talent comprises most of LSU’s 2021 targetshttps://crescentcitysports.com/recruiting-out-of-state-talent-comprises-most-of-lsus-2021-targets/
Sun, 31 May 2020 21:35:09 +0000https://crescentcitysports.com/?p=188522Ed Orgeron and his staff are casting out a wide net nationally for the 2021 recruiting season, hoping to reel in some highly ranked recruits from a wider out-of-state pool.

Ed Orgeron and his staff are casting out a wide net nationally for the 2021 recruiting season, hoping to reel in some highly ranked recruits from a wider out-of-state pool.

LSU is riding the wave from the 15-0 National Championship season. The coaching staff’s game plan appears to be paying dividends, as many elite prospects who may not have considered the Tigers in the past now have LSU among their top choices.

The Tigers have raised the bar in regard to the quality of prospects they are courting. Although Louisiana is the home base, Orgeron is traveling coast to coast to locate and secure the absolute best available. Being a good fit is a major consideration.

Here are notes on recruits LSU is chasing:

DE Korey Foreman (6-4, 265)
Five-star from Corona, Calif, was once a pledge to Clemson who has since re-opened process. He has struck up a friendship with Terrebonne High School DT Maason Smith. They have discussed attending college together. Foreman is also close with 2021 commit LB Raesjon Davis and 2020 signee Elias Ricks. All bodes well for Tigers, but a lot of time remains.

OT Tommy Brockermeyer (6-6 1/2, 283)
Five-star from Fort Worth, Texas. Considered the No. 1 OT in class, has LSU, Alabama, Texas and Auburn as his top four. Dad was OT at Texas before NFL career. Brother is LB at Texas. James Cregg on case for Tigers.

QB Caleb Williams (6-2, 209)
Washington DC product is top ranked QB in country. LSU is trying to stave off Oklahoma and Maryland, which comprise is top three. Sooners maybe favorite. Steve Ensminger recruiting. Tight race between LSU and Sooners.

OT JC Latham (6-6, 305)
Five-star from IMG Academy has LSU, Alabama, Ohio State at top of his choices. James Cregg recruiting for LSU. Former Tiger OL coach Greg Studrawa recruiting for Buckeyes.

DT Maason Smith (6-5, 316)
Five-star from Terrebonne High School. No. 1 prospect in La. Tigers may have slight edge over Alabama, Florida, Texas A&M and Georgia. LSU appears to be in better shape now that Bo Pelini has repaced Dave Aranda. Better chemistry with Pelini. Same stage or ahead of Rashard Lawrence, Marlon Favorite and Glenn Dorsey at same stage.

CB Ga’Quincey McKinstrey (6-0, 172)
Five-star out of Pinson, Alabama. Cat quick reflexes. Top five of LSU, Clemson, Auburn, Alabama and Georgia are all jockeying for supremacy.

DT Leonard Taylor (6-4, 255)
Five-star Miami product has Florida, LSU and Georgia at top with Gators having slight edge.

ATH Sage Ryan (5-11, 193, 4.45)
Four-star Lafayette Christian. Could be outstanding RB, WR or DB. LSU- Florida State top 2 but his family has ties to LSU. Cousin is Kevin Faulk, uncle Trev Faulk.

]]>Former top national recruit Antonio Alfano transfers for second timehttps://crescentcitysports.com/former-top-national-recruit-antonio-alfano-transfers-for-second-time/
Sat, 30 May 2020 01:44:47 +0000https://crescentcitysports.com/?p=188504Colorado defensive end Antonio Alfano is on the transfer market again.

]]>Colorado defensive end Antonio Alfano is on the transfer market again.

In the 2019 recruiting class, Alfano was tabbed the top overall prospect in the nation by 247 Sports ahead of notables like LSU’s Derek Stingley, Oregon’s Kayvon Thibodeaux and Oklahoma’s Spencer Rattler

After considering a host of big time programs including LSU, he decided on Alabama, enrolled early and arrived on campus in January ’19. He participated in the Tide’s spring drills of 2019 and flashed some impressive skills. Then problems began.

The 6-foot-5, 285 pounder stopped attending classes and eventually football practices in September and entered the transfer portal in October ’19.

Alfano chose Colorado as his next college football destination and headed to Boulder. Former Colorado head coach Mel Tucker recruited him personally but left the program this offseason for Michigan State. Afterwards, new Buffaloes coach Karl Dorrell suspended Alfano indefinitely for a violation of team rules.

There were some telltale signs that a storm could be brewing despite Alfano’s obvious talent. The New Jersey native played two seasons at Bergen High School and then his junior campaign at Rahway. On the move again, he spent his final prep season at Colonia where he tallied 76 tackles with 28 for loss and 10 sacks.

Alfano’s parents have stated that the move from Alabama was prompted by the illness of his grandmother, to whom he was very close. She was on a life support but has since passed away.

It is a shame that the top prospect from just two years ago has yet to play a down of college football and is already set to enter a third program.

Ex-Colorado defensive line coach Jimmy Brumbaugh has moved on to Tennessee, so Knoxville may be one potential destination for Alfano.

The 6-foot, 160-pound Despanie also doubles as a guard on the Carencro basketball team, usually drawing the assignment of keeping the opponent’s best player in check.

Despanie runs a 4.5 forty and is a vicious hitter for his size. He reacts quickly and comes up to drive to the ball from his secondary spot. Despaine shows good ball skills with excellent anticipation.

]]>Special athletes who found both MLB and NBA successhttps://crescentcitysports.com/special-athletes-who-found-both-mlb-and-nba-success/
Tue, 26 May 2020 00:38:00 +0000https://crescentcitysports.com/?p=188337To play more than one sport on the professional level is no easy task, but to participate in two major sports simultaneously is almost unfathomable.

]]>Danny Ainge was a young big leaguer with Toronto before his impressive NBA career.

To play more than one sport on the professional level is no easy task, but to participate in two major sports simultaneously is almost unfathomable.

As both the NBA and Major League baseball contemplate plans to restart their seasons, I thought that this would be great opportunity to reflect on few athletes who were skilled enough to reach the highest levels in pro basketball and Major League baseball. A few juggled both at the same time.

Here we remember 13 individuals who were skilled enough to play both in the NBA and MLB.

Dick Ricketts, a right handed pitcher who made the major leagues in 1959, played parts of 10 professional seasons with the Cardinals, Reds, Pirates and Phillies organizations (1955-1964). While in St. Louis, he was a teammate of legends Bob Gibson and Stan Musial in his only two months as a big leaguer.

Before his many years on the professional mound, he 6-foot-7 Ricketts was also the first overall pick by the NBA’s St. Louis Hawks in 1955. The post player who averaged 9.3 points, 6.3 rebounds and 2.1 assists later played for the Rochester Royals, spending four total seasons in the NBA.

Ron Reed, a third round pick of the Detroit Pistons in 1965, spent a pair of seasons in the NBA. Baseball was his calling in much the same way as Ricketts. The 6-5 Reed spent 18 seasons in MLB as a right-handed pitchers with the Braves (1966-’75), Cardinals (’75), Phillies (1976-’83) and White Sox (1984). He wrapped up his days on the mound with 145 wins and 140 losses.

One of just 15 pitchers in history to record 100 wins and 100 saves, Reed made the 1968 All-Star team and won the 1980 world Series with Philadelphia. He retired with a career 3.46 ERA and 1,481 strikeouts.

Mark Hendrickson was a 6-9 forward who played 29 contests with the Philadelphia 76ers and 48 more with the Sacramento Kings. He spent a couple of more NBA seasons with the New Jersey Nets and Cleveland Cavs. In all, he hit the court for 114 NBA games, recording 381 points and 316 rebounds.

Another hoopsters/pitcher, Hendrickson doubled as a lefty with five-pitch mix including a fastball that hit the low 90’s. He pitched for Blue Jays (2002-’03), Devil Rays (2004-’06), Dodgers (2006-’07), Marlins (2008) and Orioles (2009-’11). He finished with a career 58-74 record, 5.03 ERA and 666 punch outs.

First baseman Howie Schultz signed with Branch Rickey’s Brooklyn Dodgers in 1943 before heading to Philadelphia in 1947 and finally Cincinnati in 1948. Rickey traded him to the Phillies in order to make room for Jackie Robinson. Schultz played in 470 career games, batting .241 with 24 home runs and 208 RBI.

After baseball, Schultz signed to play with the Minneapolis Lakers in 1952 where he averaged 5.3 points while playing alongside early NBA legends George Mikan, Slater Martin and Vern Mikkelsen.

Chuck Connors, better known as The Rifleman on a TV series from 1958-’63, was a 6-5 first baseman who played with the Dodgers farm team in Newport in 1940, then the Yankees farm team in Norfolk the following year. He later suited up for 53 NBA games with the Boston Celtics (1947-’48) and once shattered a back board during warm ups while he “rifled” a 40-foot heave.

In 1951, Connors was back on the diamond and played for the Chicago Cubs in 66 games. In ’53, he played for a Cubs farm team in Los Angeles known as the Angels. It seems he was always destined to end up in Hollywood.

Cotton Nash, a Lake Charles, La. native, was the No. 2 overall draft pick of the Los Angeles Lakers in 1964 after an All-American career at Kentucky. He played in five professional seasons with the Lakers, Warriors and later the Kentucky Colonels of the ABA.

The 6-5 Nash later played in 13 MLB games with the White Sox and Twins as a first baseman. His most memorable baseball moment came on September 10, 1967 when he replaced Ken Boyer and recorded three unassisted put outs in one inning.

Danny Ainge is currently the GM of the Boston Celtics after an impressive basketball career. The BYU product was a two-time NBA champion as a guard for the Celtics in the 1980’s before helping the Blazers and Suns reach the NBA Finals in the early 1990’s. He won the John Wooden Award in 1981 as college basketball’s best player and then scored 11,964 points with 4,199 assists as a pro but not before soaring the the big leagues.

Prior to his days in the NBA, Ainge played three seasons (1979-’81) as an outfielder, second baseman and third baseman for the Toronto Blue Jays. He is the second youngest player in Blue Jays history to hit a home run at age 20 years and 20 days old.

Dick Groat was a shortstop for 14 seasons with the Pirates, Cardinals, Phillies and Giants. An eight time All-Star and two-time World Series champion (Pittsburgh, St. Louis), he won the was NL batting crown in 1960 with a .325 average.

Prior to his Major League days, Groat was a two-time All-American point guard at Duke who was named National Player of the Year in 1952 while averaging 25.2 points. In 1952, he played for the NBA’s Fort Wayne Pistons for 26 games, averaging 11.9 points and 2.7 assists. In ’53, he signed with the Pirates to begin his MLB career.

Dave DeBusschere (6-6, 220) spent 1962-’74 in the NBA with the Pistons and Knicks. With New York, he was twice an NBA champion. The eight-time All-Star was a six-time All-NBA defensive choice who was a member of the NBA’s 50th Anniversary team.

During the 1962-’63 MLB campaign, DeBusschere moonlighted as a pitcher for the White Sox for 36 games, posting a 2.40 ERA with 61 strikeouts.

Gene Conley (6-8, 225), a Cherokee, spent 12 MLB seasons with the Braves, Phillies and Red Sox, compiling a 91-96 record with a 3.82 ERA and 888 strikeouts. The right-hander was a four-time All Star and a member of the 1957 World Series champion Milwaukee Braves.

At the same time, Conley manged to also play 17 seasons in the NBA with the Boston, Washington, New York and Hartford. He was a two-time NBA Champion in Boston alongside teammates Bill Russell and Bob Cousy.

Steve Hamilton (6-6, 180) played for the Minneapolis Lakers 1958-’60, teaming up with stars Elgin Baylor and ‘Hot Rod’ Hundley. As a left hander, Hamilton then launched a 12-year pitching career (1961-’72) and posted a 40-31 MLB record with 42 saves, a 3.05 ERA and 531 punch outs. He is one of only two people to have played in both the World Series (Yankees in ’63) and NBA Finals (Boston in 1958 and 1959).

Johnny Gee, a lefty with the Pirates (1939-’44) and Giants (1944-’46), was the tallest pitcher (6’9″) in MLB history until 6-foot-10 Randy Johnson arrived in 1988. Gee joined the NBA in 1946, playing center for Syracuse Nationals (1946-’47) then Oneida (NY) Indians (1947-’48).

Frank Baumholtz, an outfielder for 11 MLB seasons (1947-’57), posted a .290 average with 25 homers and 272 RBI for the Reds, Cubs and Phillies,. He was an anchor of the 1950’s Chicago Cubs outfield known as the “Quicksand Kids’ but not until he spent some time on the hardwood.

As a point guard, Baumholtz played two NBA seasons with the National Basketball League’s Youngstown Bears then the BAA’s Cleveland Rebels (1946-’47).

The BAA and the National Basketball League (NBL) merged to create the National Basketball Association (NBA) in 1949.

To any who feel that accomplishing the fete of playing in NBA and MLB is not all that difficult, you certainly recall that one of the best athletes of all time, Michael Jordan, fell short. The basketball icon played that one famous year in Double-A Birmingham but didn’t stick around. Perhaps he could have done it if he had started younger but what effect would that have had on his basketball career? We’ll never know.

]]>Recruiting: Barryn Sorrell of Holy Cross commits to Northwestern for 2021 football classhttps://crescentcitysports.com/recruiting-barryn-sorrell-of-holy-cross-commits-to-northwestern-for-2021-football-class/
Fri, 22 May 2020 18:42:12 +0000https://crescentcitysports.com/?p=188300Holy Cross standout Barryn Sorrell has committed to Northwestern University of the Big 10 according to Tigers head coach Nick Saltaformaggio.

As a junior, Sorrell was in on 44 tackles with four sacks with a forced fumble.

Sorrell is a powerful pass rusher who splits blocks with an explosive first step. He uses his hands very well. His best football is ahead of him.

Other Holy Cross teammates still have a decision to make on a college football destination including Tiger quarterback John Dade Wooten and running back Jaden Handy. Outside linebacker Kolbe Cage has already committed to the Arizona Wildcats.

]]>New Orleans has long history of producing NFL defensive backshttps://crescentcitysports.com/new-orleans-has-long-history-of-producing-nfl-defensive-backs/
Thu, 21 May 2020 02:30:04 +0000https://crescentcitysports.com/?p=188255The metro New Orleans area has been fertile territory for producing defensive backs, with an abundance leaving the local prpe ranks for college football and eventually the NFL.

The metro New Orleans area has been fertile territory for producing defensive backs, with an abundance leaving the local prep ranks for college football and eventually the NFL.

Among the top areas nationally for supplying defensive secondary talent to the NFL, New Orleans can take pride that many have been recognized as All Pro. A few gained admittance to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio.

Let’s take a look at many of those local products who have made it to the top:

Kristian Fulton (Rummel)

Drafted in the second round by the Titans this year following the National Championship season at LSU, Fulton was an interception machine in high school who proved it was no fluke.

Shyheim Carter (Kentwood)

The former Alabama jack of all trades in the secondary was signed by the Jets as an undrafted free agent.

Cameron Danzler (St. Thomas Aquinas)

Picked in round three by the Vikings, the former prep QB had a great career at Mississippi State.

Rod Teamer (Brother Martin)

After staying home to be a four-year starter at Tulane, he now enters second seasons with the Chargers.

Arthur Maulet (Bonnabel)

Signed undrafted by Saints out of Memphis, he is now in his fourth NFL season now with the Jets.

Parry Nickerson (West Jefferson)

After 46 starts at Tulane, he enters his fourth season in NFL, now with Jacksonville.

Lorenzo Doss (St. Augustine)

Another four-year starter at Tulane, he spent four seasons in the NFL and earned a Super Bowl ring with Denver.

Treston DeCoud (Lakeshore)

Taken in the fifth round (169th overall) of the 2017 NFL Draft, the Oregon State product played two NFL seasons before a recent XFL stop.

Henre’ Toliver (Rummel)

The Marreo product has played for the Colts and Giants in NFL the past two seasons.

Alvin Haymond (L.B. Landry)

Played at Southern in the early 1960’s before 10 seasons in the NFL as cornerback and return man.

Aeneas Williams (Fortier)

Following his college career at Southern, he earned a place in the 2014 class in Canton after 14 years in the NFL. Williams racked up 55 interceptions and earned eight All Pro honors.

Raion Hill (Brother Martin)

The former LSU playmaker played safety for two seasons with the Buffalo Bills.

Randy Hilliard (East Jefferson)

Played for Northwestern State in the late 1980’s before eight NFL seasons with the Browns, Broncos and Bears. He won a Super Bowl in Denver.

Normam Hodgins (Rummel)

The LSU alum played for the Bears in 1974.

Craig Steltz (Rummel)

An All American aftery at LSU, he played six seasons in Chicago. after leading the Tigers in tackles (101) and winning the 2007 BCS championship.

Bryan Howard (Carver)

The Tennessee State product was a ninth round pick of the Vikings in 1982, his only pro season.

Tyrone Hughes (St. Augustine)

The Saints Hall of Famer enjoyed a record-setting day on Oct. 23, 1994 when he recorded 347 yards in returns (two for TD’s) against the Rams.

Maurice Hurst (Fortier)

He parlayed a fine career at Southern in seven seasons as a cornerback with the Patriots. Hurst had 27 NFL interceptions including seven in 1994.

Tory James (Shaw)

Playing 11 seasons in the league (Broncos, Raiders and Bengals) the second round pick of Bears out of LSU in 1996 helped Denver win Super Bowl XXXIII.

Norman Jefferson (Ehret)

The former LSU standout spent two seasons with the Packers (1987-1988).

Vance Joseph (Shaw)

The former Colorado Buffaloes star played for the Jets in 1995 and Colts in 1996.

LaRon Landry (Hahnville)

An LSU All American and 2003 national champion as a saftey, he was a first round pick of the Redskins in 2007. Landry enjoyed eight NFL seasons and made one Pro Bowl.

Dawan Landry (Hahnville)

The Georgia Tech spent five seasons with the Ravens with nine interceptions.

Del Lee (Edna Karr)

McNeese State product played for the Jets in 1994.

Elliott Alexander (St. Augustine)

Third rounder out of Grambling played for the Bills in 1970.

Ashley Ambrose (Fortier)

Mississippi Valley State alum played 13 seasons in the NFL, totaling 42 interceptions. He was an All Pro in 1996.

Curtis Baham (Covington)

Tulane product played one season with the Seahawks.

Michael Ball (Booker T. Washington)

Spent six years with the Colts after a college career at Southern.

Gary Barbaro (East Jefferson)

The former Nicholls State star made three Pro Bowls with the Chiefs on his way to the franchise’s Ring of Honor. He made 39 interceptions. Gary is also in the Louisiana Sports and Sugar Bowl halls of fame.

Terreal Bierra (Salmen)

University of Georgia prudct played two seasons with the Seahawks.

Greg Brooks (Shaw)

Played at Southern Miss and then two seasons with the Bengals.

Sidney Brown (St. Augustine)

Oklahoma alum played for the Patriots in 1978.

Trent Collins (Ehret)

San Diego State product played for the Jets in 1987.

Ryan Clark (Shaw)

Former LSU standout played 13 NFL seasons, making the 2011 Pro Bowl and winning Super Bowl XLIII with the Steelers. He is currently an ESPN analyst.

Matthew Dorsett (McMain)

Another Southern Jaguar who made the league, he helped the Packers in their Super Bowl XXXI win in the Superdome.

Corey Dowden (McDonogh)

Tulane product played for the Ravens, Packers and Bears.

Sean Dykes (Clark)

Played for Bowling Green and the Jets.

Steve Foley (Jesuit)

Former Tulane quarterback played safety for 11 years in the NFL, making All Pro in 1978 and setting the Broncos franchise record with 44 interceptions.

Adrian Hardy (Redeemer)

Northwestern State product played for the 49ers and Bengals.

Ike Taylor (Abramson)

Drafted out of UL Lafayette in the fourth round by the Steelers in 2003, he played 12 seasons in the NFL and won Super Bowls XL and XLIII.

Bennie Thompson (McDonogh)

Former Grambling star played 11 years in NFL as a special teams standout for the Saints, Chiefs, Ravens and Browns.

Chris Thompson (Holy Cross)

Nicholls alum played for the Bears and Jaguars.

Darius Vinnett (Destrehan)

Played for Arkansas and the Rams.

Jackie Wallace (St. Aug)

After his years at the University of Arizona, the 1973 second rounder played six years in the NFL (Vikings, Colts and Rams).

Lionel Washington (Lutcher)

Fourth round pick out of Tulane by the Cardinals in 1983 played 15 pro years with 37 picks.

Mike Williams (Covington)

Former LSU All American was a first round pick by the Chargers in 1975. He spent 10 years in the league and made 24 interceptions.

Corey Webster (St. James)

After one season as a wide receiver at LSU, he became a star at cornerback and later a member of two Giants Super Bowl champions (XLII and XLVI).

Roynel Young (Cohen)

Alcorn State standout was a first round pick by Philadelphia in 1980. He spent nine years in the league, making the Pro Bowl in 1981. He helped the Eagles make their first Super Bowl appearance (XV in New Orleans).

Floyd Young (Clark)

Out of small school Texas A&M Kingsville, he earned his keep with the Bucs from 1997 to 2000.

Went on from Alcorn State to play four seasons in NFL (Raiders, Bucs and Chiefs).

Kevin Lewis (Fortier)

Northwestern State alum played for the 49ers in 1990 and 1991.

D’Artagnan Martin (Carver)

The Saints fourth rounder out of Kentucky State in 1971 played one season with the Black & Gold.

Kerry Parker (Carver)

Grambling product played for the Bills and Chiefs.

Richie Petitbon (Jesuit)

A star at Tulane, he played 14 seasons in the NFL and made four Pro Bowl as a second round pick of the Bears in 1959. He made 1,048 career tackles and 50 interceptions before becoming Joe Gibbs’ superb defensive coordinator in Washington.

John Petitbon (Jesuit)

Notre Dame product played for seasons with the Cleveland Browns.

Rosey Taylor (Clark) Grambling

In 12 years in NFL, he made 32 interceptions and two Pro Bowls. He has been recognized among the top 50 all-time Bears.

Steve Rehage (Bonnabel)

A safety for LSU who played for the Giants.

Jerry Reese (St. Aug)

Rangy 6-foot-3 DB played for Oklahoma and the Chiefs (1979-1980).

Ed Scott (Carver)

Grambling product played for the Cardinals in 1987.

Otis Smith (East Jefferson)

Mizzou product spent 13 NFL seasons with the Patriots, Jets and Eagles. He was a cornerback for New England’s Super Bowl XXXVI winners in the Superdome.

Parick Surtain (Edna Karr)

A second round pick by the Dolphins in 1998, the Southern Miss alum played 11 years in the NFL (Chiefs and Dolphins). He made 37 interceptions and three Pro Bowls.

Gene Sykes (Covington)

LSU product played four pro seasons with the Bills and Chiefs.

Tyrann Mathieu (St. Augustine)

The former LSU All American and 2011 SEC player of Year was a third round pick of the Cardinals in 2013. The Honey Badgers made the Pro Powl in ’15 and ’19. He was a key member of the Super Bowl LIV champion Chiefs as a safety and nickel back.

Micah Pellerin (Country Day)

Hampton product played four years in the NFL.

Ed Reed (Destrehan)

A legend at Miami (FL), he played 12 years in the NFL where he also became iconic. Perhaps the best safety ever, Reed was a nine-time Pro Bowler and five-time All Pro. In 2019, the former prep QB took his rightful place in Canton.

Josh Victorian (Destrehan)

LA Tech product played in five NFL seasons.

Greg Fassitt (Kennedy)

Played for Grambling and the Saints.

Oliver Celestin (St. Augustine)

Out of the Texas Southern, he played five NFL seasons (Jets, Seahawks, Cardinals and Chiefs).

Ahmad Treaudo (New Orleans)

Yet another Southern standout, he played for the Giants, 49ers, Falcons and Vikings (2005-2006).

Jerron Wishom (Lutcher)

Played for LA Tech and the Packers.

Clarence LeBlanc (John Curtis)

Physical LSU safety played for the Giants.

Tony Bouie (Holy Cross)

The consensus All American safety at Arizona went on to play for the Bucs from 1995 to 1998.

LSU assistants Bill Busch and Bo Pelini were instrumental in securing the pledge from Gee, who was drawn to the allure of Tiger Stadium despite 30 FBS offers.

The 6-foot-3, 190-pound product of Woodward Academy in College Park, Georgia is the ninth-highest rated safety in the country. He recorded 58 tackles last season with four for loss while breaking up six passes.

Gee runs the alley from his safety spot and demolishes runners on contact. He covers a lot of ground and demonstates outstanding timing on his blitzes.

Another interesting fact is Gee’s talent as a shortstop in baseball. He runs well while showing good power from right side of plate. Gee hits to all fields really well.

Gee is the second safety among the 2021 commitments, joining Dakota Mitchell out of Florida.

The 6-2, 204 pounder is Louisiana’s top rated safety and sixth ranked overall in the 2021 class.

Williams is a physical player who unloads on ball carriers. He could grow into an outside linebacker due to his athletic skills and frame. He totaled 50 tackles in 2019 along with six interceptions, the same total he picked off the previous season.

The 6-foot-2, 175-pound Cain also plays basketball and runs track at Easton. He has posted a 24.00 in the 200 meters, 16.83 in the 110 meter hurdles and a 45.45 in the 300 meter hurdles. Cain can also triple jump over 39 feet.

As a receiver, Cain shows good hands and runs good routes to separate from coverage. The three-star talent can play outside, effective after catch.